Solution

We started with strategic workshops, primarily to understand the people and processes in the company more precisely. In addition, we illuminated all relevant, existing IT infrastructures in the company through short, effective series of workshops to identify major problems at an early stage and, above all, to define upstream project activities. All these experiences and insights were incorporated into an initial high-level roadmap (2021-2023), which was integrated into the final presentation. This presentation was the basis for all further agreements between IT and the business organization to provide a clear picture from the very beginning of how the changeover will proceed and which topics should be considered. Following these preparatory measures, the first phase could be started in a targeted manner, for which all activities for a successful conversion and introduction of Microsoft Teams were initially planned. The implementation of the project began in February 2021 and was scheduled for a project duration of five months. At the start of the project, all necessary initial adjustments were carried out, which were to be completed before the changeover. Thus, authentication as well as identity management topics and security settings had to be revised and redefined. At the same time, we supported the customer in preparing all necessary information as well as training and education for the employees. Before the company-wide changeover to Microsoft Teams, a test run was initially carried out in a small group. To ensure that these test users were able to pass on their experiences to their colleagues later in the project, a great deal of emphasis was placed on the correct use of the applications, especially during the training sessions. To ensure a sustainable and structured approach to implementation, a three-phase model was defined to activate the Microsoft Teams functions. Furthermore, it had to be ensured that the employees could manage their new structures in a structured way and as easily as possible. Therefore, together with our partner ExpertInside, we established their product EasyLife365 in order to implement both IT governance and company-specific requirements in a simple and employee-driven manner. In mid-June, the three phases of the changeover were started and by mid-July, all employees were already able to gain their first experience in the new environment. Thanks to the intensive training provided during the test phase, the customer was able to carry out the internal training independently during this phase.